Plumber: Vacation-home worries can be a full-time job

SHNS photo courtesy of DIY Network
Home winterizing often takes place in the fall, with plumbing resuming in the spring.

Q: I have a vacation home on Cape Cod, where I spend my summers. Last year, I had a problem with pipes freezing while I was away, and the home was damaged. It's all fixed now, but this year I'm thinking about having all my water pipes completely drained when I shut down for the winter. Is this a good option as opposed to normally leaving the heat on all winter? -- Millie, Florida

A: First off, I'm sorry about depressing everyone by talking about a winter issue while we're still clinging to the last weeks of summer! But this is when you do need to start thinking about fall projects.

Second, if you're lucky enough to have a vacation home, you know that it can be a full-time job taking care of the property. As far as winterizing a vacation home, it depends on how you use the property in the off-season.

For instance: If you use the property during the winter months from time to time, draining the entire plumbing system and fully winterizing the home may not work out the best for you.

Professionally winterizing a plumbing system should be done by a licensed plumber to ensure that the water lines are completely empty. Also, drain traps and plumbing fixtures like toilets will be filled with a special nontoxic antifreeze to protect the drainage system.

Winterizing a home is usually a one-shot deal done in the fall; then the plumber will return in the spring to refill and start the plumbing system.

Bottom line: If the home is not used in the winter, you may want to go with a full plumbing shutdown. If you visit the home year-round, talk to your plumber and address extra precautions that will allow you to extend your vacation by safely heating the home to protect your plumbing.